GAME NOTES: The Toledo Rockets take aim at their sixth win in a row as they
visit Alumni Arena for Mid-American Conference action against the Buffalo
Bulls.

Toledo's winning streak had finally put it into a first-place tie in the MAC
West Division standings with Western Michigan, as both schools are now 7-3 in
league action. Rian Pearson came off the bench for the first time this season
to pour in 29 points and grab 14 rebounds, which made the difference in the
team's 60-52 victory over Eastern Michigan on Saturday. Dominique Buckley
chimed in with 13 points in the decision as the Rockets held off a feisty
Eagles' unit. Toledo struggled to find its shooting touch against the Eagles'
stifling 2-3 zone defense, finishing the game with a MAC season-low 34.6
shooting mark. The Rockets made up for it though by limiting the Eagles to a
MAC opponent-worst field goal percentage (0.339) and 19 turnovers, matching
the most by any opponent this season.

Pearson is leading the MAC in scoring with 18.6 ppg and also the team in
rebounding with 6.5 rpg. Julius Brown is 10th in the league with 13.4 ppg and
third with 5.6 assists per contest. Matt Smith and Buckley have both been
chiming in offensively, producing over nine points per outing apiece. The
Rockets have shown the ability to fill it up all season long as they come in
with the fourth highest scoring offense in the MAC at 68.3 ppg, but they are
third to last with 68.7 points allowed per tilt.

The Bulls enter with an 9-15 overall record and 4-6 standing in the MAC after
defeating Northern Illinois, 59-54, at home on Saturday. Javon McCrea paced
Buffalo with 16 points, while Auraum Nuiriankh grabbed 10 rebounds. UB is 6-4
at home on the season after completing winning its last three games in Alumni
Arena.

Despite Buffalo's lackadaisical display throughout the season, McCrea has been
a consistent bright spot with 17.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per
tilt. McCrea has seven double-doubles this season, already surpassing his
season totals of both his freshman and sophomore seasons. Will Regan is the
second leading scorer with 10.3 ppg. Tony Watson has averaged 11.8 points over
the last five games and has drained 14 three-pointers during that span. The
Bulls are shooting just 57.3 percent from the free-throw line over the last
three games (39-of-68).

Buffalo has what it takes to end the Rockets' streak if McCrea continues his
strong play. Toledo's one dimensional style is only effective when Pearson is
on his game. The Bulls will provide a challenge as they have very little
pressure on them to win while the Rockets are in a must-win situation to keep
pace with WMU.